Detroit Lions

Ezekiel Elliott calls Lions defender 'dirty,' says he holds college grudge

Published Dec. 27, 2016 8:01 a.m. ET

Kerouac Smith

The body slam Detroit Lions lineman A'Shawn Robinson put on Ezekiel Elliott had both teams talking after the Dallas Cowboys' 42-21 win on Monday night.

The Lions and coach Jim Caldwell (and plenty of people on Twitter) didn't necessarily agree with the refs flagging Robinson for the move.

https://twitter.com/BradGalli/status/813594623553761280

Elliott, however, claims Robinson deserved even more calls against him.

"He was being dirty all game," Elliott said.

And Elliott has a theory as to why, one that dates back to their college days when he was at Ohio State and Robinson played for the Crimson Tide:

“I think he was a little salty from that Sugar Bowl win we got against him in New Orleans two years ago. It's whatever. Let him do what he wants to do.”

“They’re alright,” Robinson said after the game. “They did some alright stuff that worked. Nothing special. They ain’t nothing special.”